Chronic sinusitis is often a result of allergies and people who suffer from asthma frequently have chronic sinusitis. Allergic reactions can be to mull, pollen dust and other allergens which are breathed in causes irritation in the nose and sinus cavities. Air pollutants down where that can also cause problems for people with chronic sinusitis.
Treatment of Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis can be difficult to treat successfully. Prolonged courses of antibiotics may be used but symptoms can still persist after treatment has finished. Decongestants and nasal sprays can also be used although safety of using the nasal sprays long-term is not known. Oral steroids have also been used but they do have side effects that usually only used after other treatments have failed to control the symptoms. Antihistamines can be used to prevent allergic reactions.Side Effects
Some antihistamines sold over-the-counter can cause drowsiness especially older type antihistamines. Decongestants have been known to cause difficulty in sleeping and raised blood pressure. nasal sprays containing steroids can cause nosebleeds and should not be used long-term as they can lead to diabetes, cataracts and thinning of the bones.Home Remedies for Chronic Sinusitis
Home remedies can be used to lessen the discomfort of chronic sinusitis. Steam inhalation can help the inflamed sinuses and irrigating the nasal passages with a saline solution, for instance using in a neti pot, can help the pain and pressure.Studies at the Mayo Clinic
The Mayo Clinic has performed a number of studies which link chronic sinusitis with an immune response to fungi in the nose. Since an original research paper was published in 1999 more research has confirmed that this is the cause of the problem for the the majority of chronic sinusitis patients. They have developed a system to deliver an antifungal agent directly to the nose which seems to be effective in a large majority of the cases. So far this treatment is not available outside the Mayo Clinic..
See Mayo Clinic Report for more information
I love my neti pot and recommend nasal irrigation all the time! No, it’s not exactly killer party conversation but good habits w/ the sinuses can go a long way toward good health.
ReplyDeleteI am a huge believer in natural cures, and in not jumping to meds or surgery too quickly. However I must say that if things get to the “chronic” stage don’t mess around. See your doctor and then if you get a ct scan make sure you know all your options (it used to be that sinus surgery was the only option. but now there are less invasive choices like balloon sinuplasty).
That’s my two cents. Take care everybody and keep those nasal passages clean!